OCRT-DA RPE-OCRT.D.102

This is verbatim story of my life in World War II as contained in a diary which I purchased in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 12, 1942.

"I left the United States on June 2, 1942 from Hamilton Field, California as a co-pilot on a Martin (aircraft company) B26B. We were the fourth aircraft in our flight but only us and the flight leader arrived as the other two ships turned back because of aircraft problems."

"The flight over water was very tiresome and fortunately we experienced no trouble. We flew by the automatic pilot most of the way, our trip lasted 13 hours and 10 minutes. There was an overcast most of the way across which was OK with me as I don't like water anyway. The islands was a sight for sore eyes as it loomed up ahead. We made our maneuvers showing that we were a friendly aircraft and flew around the island to Hickam Field".

"Hickam Field was quite a large place and from the air I could see the burned out hangers and other destructive landmarks of December 7, 1941. We also came close to Pearl Harbor to see the remains of battleships in their watery graves ".

"After landing we ate at the officers club which is a very nice place. The food was not so good as we were use to but not bad. I was very surprised at ail the modern conveniences that was here - so far as I could tell it was like the states, or as they call it the Mainland".

"I had not been here long before the beauty of Hawaii was spoiled. It was the setting of the Battle of Midway Island. We were on the alert with bomb loaded - six hundred pounders that looked like something left over from the last world war. There had been one flight ahead of US which was commanded by Captain Collins. Lt Watson and Lt. Long as wingmen. They were taken to Midway Island as torpedo bombers. on the morning of the 4th, the Jap navy was close enough for attack and Collins and Watson plus two other B-26's from another outfit took-off. In about 80 minutes they were in Heli. Four Jap carriers

released enough planes to drop their torpedo into a carrier. Colllns' plane was the second outfit to reach the enemy the first was 6 marine planes. As Collins drew close he dropped the torpedo and zoomed into the clouds for protection. It was here that Lt. Watson's aircraft was last seen. On his ship was Lt. L.". Whittington one of my best friends. (we called him "ears" because they extended out 90 degrees); Lt. Shuman was navigator also went down on this aircraft. Wittington is the second of "our" bunch to go down leaving only 3 of us that used to room together in San Francisco. Lt. D.B. White, a class mate, Lt. E.J. Shurman and myself. A Lt. J.P. Treadway was killed while in the States which completes the 5 in our group"

"Collins was credited with sinking a Jap carrier as he returned to Midway Island airfield along with one other B-26 with more than 500 bullet holes in the fuselage. There were about 90 or 100 planes on Midway before the raid about 15 returned and only 9 of them was able to fly again. They later went out for another attack and only 4 returned with 2 flyable".

"It might be said here that B-17 E's also took action at 20,000 feet. One came back with a bullet hole in his wing and said 'Gee it's a hell of a battle out there!' The boys that won the battle, I think, is the boys that are dead - - the marines and navy boys who flew old crates into that battle and were up against the Jap Zero fighter that could do loops around them. However, the B-17's did finish the job on the carriers and destroyers and put them on the run.".

"It's about here that we round out that there really is a way going on and that the Japs are playing for keeps. Collins reported that the zero fighters didn't seem in a hurry to shoot but did it cool and did it tactful the Japs aren't to be underestimated".

"Naturally we're all ready to turn back and head for the States but we have a job to do as we have to do it before we can think of having peace. Right now I think it would be pretty wonderful to know when you're going to be a month from now whether you'll be alive or dead! Well I guess everybody think he is going to pull through OK and I'm no exception. I am not going to worry about it as it happens so fast is saves you the work of worrying. These B-26's are dangerous in peace time let alone worrying about Japs riding your tail. I sure hope our tail gunner is on the ball, I'm going to have a tommy gun handy as I might get a shot one of these days who knows? I sure hope for the day they turn me loose in this B-26 as first pilot. I don't like have another guy at the controls when I can fly just a good - of well maybe someday but I doubt it".

June 20, 1942 "I am now 2,108 miles further from home having completed two more legs of our trip. We left Hickam Thursday for Christmas Island, a ride of about 7 hours 20 minutes. Our navigators are right on the ball and hit the island right on the head. From the air we saw nothing as everything was well camouflaged. We had a P-39 (fighter) on our tail in no time but he was just looking us over and was very friendly. He sat right on

our wing tip and I could see him laughing at out aircraft name "Henry" on the nose of our ship, naturally I drew the picture (comic book character) and responsible for the naming".

"After we landed we could see the tents, etc., that we couldn't see from the air. All the boys wore shorts and were very tan. About the first words we 'do you have any mail?' We didn't. There were a few officers and very friendly and asked us all sorts of questions about the States, etc. News on Christmas Island was scarce. I guess the guys go wacky after so long a stay, I guess the guys go wacky after so long a stay, no fresh foods, little beer, all food out of a can. We had a box of oranges in each ship and one box accidentally fell out and spilled on the sand and you ought to have seen their eyes pop out! Most of the men hadn't seen an orange for a month. One officer remarked that he had an orange last week, it sounded rather funny but to them it was serious".

"We had a good nights sleep and it was very cool despite the fact that we were about 120 miles from the equator. We left Christmas Island early Friday morning for Canton Island but by the way of a small island called Jarvis which we were to look over and report our findings, however, we found nothing unusual except lots of birds which I thought a miracle kept them out of our propellers. It was 5 and a half hours from Christmas to Canton and as usual the navigator hit it right on the nose. Land always looks good when you haven't see anything but water for hours. Canton Island is a small island sorta' horseshoe shape with water in the middle of it. The men here looked about like the men at Christmas. We had brought the oranges for them and they wasted no time in claiming them. We are their friends now, I wish we could have brought more, they would do anything for an egg".

"We found quarters here better than at Christmas, they had little houses built and iron beds with clean sheets. The mess was better too, that is without fresh food it was good. I can see having fresh foods would look after 3 months down here. After supper we wandered around and met some officers that had a swell place by the ocean for loafing and that where we went. Later we found out, to our surprise, that they had an officers club so we went over. It was a swell place all fixed up with a piano and everything including card tables and a dice table and bar but they served water as it was a closed night. Most of the officers were infantry and had been here 3 or 4 months and were eager to get out of here although they were proud of their island".

"We turned in about 9 o'clock as we figured on an early start.At 6 a.m. the next morning we found out that the weather was bad about half way to the Fiji Islands so we decided to stay till it looked better. It's OK by me as instruments flying in B-26 is Hell and I don't like it. So today we're loafing around mostly staying out of the sun as it's pretty hot around the middle of the day".

Saturday June 27, 1942. "Well here I am at our new home, New Caladonia! More

about that place later. We left Canton for the Fiji Islands a distance of about 7 hours and a half flying time. Again our navigators were on the money in making landfall on the island. Quarters were very good at Fiji and the food was very good proportionally to what we had been eating. As we taxied up we saw the natives staring at us as it was an unusual airplane to be in this country and after looking around I could see why. There were DeHavalin, Vinson's old slow jobs about 10 years behind the times. The native were very black and about the first word they said was 'bulla', meaning hello. They had a good officers club and we were tired so we just laid around an extra day at $6.00 per day".

"We finally left Wednesday with 3 planes in our flight the other being Captain Johnson who had engine trouble and was left behind. It was about 3 and one-half hours over here and we came directly to the island. We landed at Tontouta on a very poor runway. The rest of the squadron had arrived and there was much jabbering and gum beating f-or a while, but when the session was over we found out that we were to go on to our new home Plains de Giac quite a name isn't it? So after chow, which was very poor, we fly of to our new home. We buzzed it before landing on the 7,500 foot runway".

"After landing we found that no one was here, that is squadron. So we found shelter in the local hospital which tin barn. I'm afraid we were a pretty sad bunch of boys flying 10,000 miles we end u" in a dump like this. After a very uncomfortable night with not enough blankets, as it is winter here, dawn finally came and we drug ourselves out of bed over to eat morning chow. We later found out that camp was to be made northeast of the field so we went over and grabbed ourselves a nice big tent and picked a wonderful spot and up went our quarters. After a mornings hard work we had ourselves 4 officers a swell tent all fixed up and everything butout Commanding Officer (Co) comes around and decides that all the flights should be together and so naturally we had to move and I say here and now we were mad!".

"This time we got out away from the main part of camp with our flight leader and built our tent over again only bet time. We have built everything, even a fire place to heat water to shave with. I need a shave as it had been a week since I last used my razor. We had a potato roast over our flight leaders tent last night rather a failure though we left them in too long and burnt themwell most of them, they were good anyhow! We are still making buckets, cups, etc., even a table, we swiped chairs so we're fixed o" for for now. We sleep in mosquito nets as they are plentiful around here, however last night it was so cold that they dared not stick their head out. slept with my flying clothes on and about the middle of the night put on my shoes. We seem to have a blanket shortage, but only temporary as a convoy is due with more - that is if we don't freeze to death before then".

"We nave some activity today a Navy guy is giving a lecture on torpedo tactics and this afternoon we fly our first mission which will be a flight around the island to look it over and select possible landing places as this island has a good many reefs. It is about 8:30

and I'm just getting warm and I've been up for 3 hours. Wars are such an inconvenience.'It's just a vicious circle that has no end, a horrible fate awaits us all.' A quotation of "t. Hudson one of the bombardiers from Arkansas".

June 29, 1942. "We had quite a little excitement Saturday, instead of completing our first mission as scheduled we did not leave the ground. By some cause or another, we were to fly the flight leaders ship on patrol and on starting the ship it exploded and burst into flames. I was in the co-pilots seat all ready when I felt a compression and my hat blew off and about this time a large flame reached out not more then a foot from my seat. It took me a second to really realize what had happened. I grabbed for a fire extinguisher behind my seat and threw it out to the men around the ship for already the bombay was aflame. Lt. Tibbits, our navigator, was in the nose and yelled for me to get out as the navigators compartment was already a mass of flames. I crawled out through the escape hatch and jumped off of the nose of the aircraft. It was quite a drop and I lit on my heels and pulled those muscles but I ran as we expected it to explode again as all fuel tanks had just been topped off. When I got clear of the ship, I hopped a ride on a car going by and was dropped off at an other airplane to taxi out of range of the burning plane as there was a strong wind and the aircraft were parked in a grove of trees. I could see the black smoke and flames now way above the trees and the bullets for the guns were going off going every which way".

"After coming back to the wreckage after the fire died down it was a pitiful sight. With a stow truck they had managed to save one engine and the nose wheel assembly. The rest was a mass of hot twisted metal which about 30 minutes ago represented about a half million dollars. The cause of the explosion was from refueling the bombay fuel tank with the doors closed thereby trapping fumes which drifted back to the aft fuselage. Here there is an. internal gas driven engine (called a putt-putt) which generates electrical power for ground starting of the aircraft engines. When the puttputt was started, sparks set- off the explosion of gas fumes. our tail gunners arms were burned some otherwise there were no injuries except me! You ought to see me limp around walking on my toes".

"We are having torpedo lectures every day by navy men. I guess we will be dropping some before long. A P-39 spotted a Jap sub yesterday and let it nave a 300# bomb. We have 3 B-26s out now with 4 100# bombs each. We had a bombing mission yesterday and dropped 6 100# bombs on a ship wreckage on a reef. We made one direct hit a 4,000 feet, the others were close but not direct hits".

"We had a good nights sleep last night as it wasn't so cold as usual. Also had one extra blanket that helped".

July 4, 1942 "Well we had a little excitement the past 4 days. In fact we've had an alert 4 days in a row. Usually at night we have a big fire blazing all over camp but its been blackout for us. It's rather cold without a fire so we just built a small 'ember' in our tent. I

suppose we'll have alerts from now on. We have reports of aircraft unidentified ships so many miles out immediately an alert but we never find anything maybe one reason is because it takes us so long to decode the message we get that they get away. Yesterday one of our aircraft on patrol thought they spotted a Jap sub and called in. We sent oust 3 aircraft with 4 300# bombs and one plane bombed a whale. The rest found nothing".

"Last night about 7:30 it had been dark for one and a half hours there was the most excitement, bugles blowing for assembly, the gong rang for a total blackout. We rushed to headquarters and found out that a Jap sub was shelling a native village 8 miles north. immediately 6 aircraft were loaded with 300# bombs, we were one of the six to take-off and bomb the sub. However, the moon had not risen and they decided it was not advisable to order a takeoff on the mission".

"Today at 3 o'clock in the afternoon we are on alert I guess for the sub. The P-39's still flying around looking for it - all messages they send back are in code and it is hours before we get any report on their findings"

"I received two letters last Monday which were very welcome. I am looking forward for many more in the future. We had a church by a missionary formally of India last night (Friday). He is now a 1st Lt Chaplin. We are to have regular service each Friday night".

"My arches of my feet ares still sore and I hurt them every day. Clean clothes are getting scarce. Monday we can send our duty clothes so some Javanese woman who roughly wash them and don't iron them. Today marks one month a " days since I left the states".

"We have been making torpedo runs the past week and all I have to say is that it's a hell of a way to earn your living. I've been flying so close to the water that when we pulled up to 1,000 I reach for my oxygen mask. but seriously it's quite dangerous and now I see my depth perception is important as 10 life or death".

July 7, 1942. "Ah! More excitement yesterday our first big alert. We were suddenly awakened about 4 a.m. by the bugler, we dressed and hurried down to the operations tent where all the pilots had already gathered. Sleepy eyed, we tried to grasp the "big picture" which all we heard was 2 aircraft carriers and 5 or 6 battleships, etc. About 15 minutes later we were told to go to our aircraft and take-off and await further instructions. Not knowing anything we dashed to ole "Henry" and warmed up the engines and taxied out only to see 6 aircraft at the end of the runway running up their engines with dust coming ever which way. one after another took-off and when the dust cleared off another would take-off. Finally the runway was clear so we could take-off. only two of us remained on the ground and we took-off but couldn't find the big formation that has just taken off so we proceeded to go north to the end of the island and circle to await further orders. The airway was

cluddered with code for the ships wanting further orders and, as a result, no one could read the home station".

"There we were circling around two planes not knowing what to expect maybe a squadron of Jap zero fighter would swoop down on us at any time. I know I had quite a funny feeling taking-off not knowing what was ahead whether we'd ever land again. Well anyhow after one and a half hours circling we got a piece of a message saying to return to base and we much relieved. After landing we dashed up to operations thinking surely now we'd get the details but still no one knew what happened and a day later I still don't know. It seems to me there's going to have to be some changes made between now and when there is really an enemy out there before we can hope to do any good. "We did, however, accomplish several things such as radio frequencies, etc., and put our aircraft in flights closer to our camp and have some organization in getting aircraft off the ground".

"Ho hum - another lecture so I gotta run. They are trying to teach us in a few hours what we should have learned in the 7 months in the States".

"The lecture is over and not such a bad one at that. our first torpedo suped up to release at 200 Kts. arrived during the lecture. others will come in today. I guess we're a torpedo bomber now!"

"Last night while indulging in our regular 'bull' session, the coast artillery without tell us anything started target practice and sure gave us a scare. We could see the tracers and later the sound. At first we thought nothing of it; but the longer it continued the "ore we thought about it. It maybe a Jap landing party. So we all grabbed our guns and headed down to the operations tent but never got there as the next flight camp already knew what was happening. It just goes to show the excitement it brought as men were running around yelling blackout and report to operations. I guess everybody was ready for battled. Boy the woods were very dark and I'd sure hate to think Japs were lurking behind every tree and us not knowing about it. Ho hum - It is a vicious circle that has no end . . . !".

"I have been reading a Liberty Magazine dated June 7, 1941, over a year old. It's very irritating to read continued stories and never know the end".

July 10, 1942. "Still more excitement. Wednesday I went up in our regular ship with another pilot, Lt. Martin, on a bombing mission. After the mission :",ad been competed we headed for home at about 250 MPH. We buzzed the field and was always the case and when we pulled up in a steep climb and leveled out for our landing pattern. Then we noticed the bail of our turn indicator (the ball indicates a skid) going to the right side so Martin gave it left aileron to correct the problem going full aileron but to now avail in correcting the skid. This became a dangerous situation here we were flying along at 180 MPH with full left aileron and still skidding, so we gave instructions to the crew to get

their parachutes on and be prepared to jump. We gave it more throttle to try to straighten it out and it did so a little at a time. We flew it around about 15 minutes and it got better and better- so we decided to try and land. We slowly edged edged the aircraft the field still with the ball over at the right side. I put the landing gear down still nothing happened so we came on in with it skidding and landed it OK and the aircraft rolled to a stop. Boy, was I glad to get out and touch old mother nature again."

"We found the left aileron control tab (a trim control) cable had broken loose and the speed we had built up had stuck in the up position causing all the control problem. After slowing down and our effort to correct the skid began to streamline the tab with the trailing edge of the aileron which gave us back out control. I remember even in the excitement of those minutes I thought very little of bailing out mainly because there was no place to get out except the escape hatch and I have no hankering to get cut into pieces by the two props or get split by the horizontal rudder. If the plane had spun out as it might have done, no one would probably gotten out of it alive.

"We had a movie last night "Green Hell", some show but at least something to do of an evening. We also have a new PX (post exchange) and I bought candy and peanuts something little different than bread, butter, peanut butter and jelly. I drew some _ _ ___ and clothes but the clothes were two small so I made shorts out of them, but don't look so bad. Also, I might mention they were second hand".

"Most of the planes are grounded because the inspection plates are cracking under the flap. Also, we are not getting equipment for the supply at Nouma. They seem to think we can make our own parts".

July 21, 1942. "Well not very much has happened lately. However, the one thing that did happen that came very much as a surprise. Our squadron commander, Captain Burris, his command and Captain Collins is now in command. No body knows exactly just why this change was made but as usual as an incident about July 26th, when something is supposed to happen, just what we don't l"now. Rumor has it that we were to pull off a bombing raid out of our radius of action and our C.O. refused to do it because it was to dangerous due to not enough fuel to return home. That along with other minor things led to that action. We still are in the dark about the 26th and to what we're to do. What even it is we're going to have to leave ole New Caladonia and go elsewhere".

"We had an alert yesterday about as usual nothing happened except they got us out of bed and 4 a.m. There are some New Zealand flyers and two ships a stationed here whether temporary or not I don't know. Today 7 B-17 E's came in to be based here so they say also 16 more are en route making 22 total. Now maybe we won't be expected to fight this war alone as were were when we were the only bombers on the island".

I'm still eating peanut butter and jelly most regular. We got a few eggs from Australia and bacon which was mighty welcome. With our PX running we keep stocked up on candy, gum and cookies or whatever they have. Another great thing we have now is movies-rather old but still movies. We saw 2 Joe Penner shows and a couple of adventure films- it's different for a change. We have a lot of interest in poker here. Sometimes $300.00 is exchanged in less than 2 hands. I'm not interested in the game - hearts is my game".

"Another modern item we have now is electric lights and with it is our radios. We get Australia stations good but have very poor programs most or them are record music with commercials between records. Most music is American some 2 to 3 years behind and in their programs all kinds of records are played. one minute you are listening to Glen Miller the next to opera. Last night we heard the first original program, it was suppose to be Bob Hope program but the humor was very dry. We yearn for American stations with late music - - or certain days we can get Frisco and the news reports. I started reading books, small novels mostly murder stories. I have read 2 in the last 12 hours and with interest too!"

"It's sorta' misting today and no flying. The B-17's are all down now. It took 45 minutes to get 6 planes on the ground. We can land 6 B-26's in less than 10 minutes. Pilots on these 17's are probably 42-D boys and are probably 1st Lts. too. I don't know when I'll ever get my silver (lst Lt.) bars".

August 21, 1942. "Well its' been a month since I last wrote but not very much has happened. That is to us. The Solomon Islands have been taken over by the United States forces but we have had no part in the action but did patrol clearing the water ahead of them. The weather was very bad and we went on instruments on most of the time. one storm was so bad that it took all the paint off of the leading edge of our wings and the spinners of our propellers. I was never so relieved as when we came out of it into the clear. our flight indicator is not very good and is not dependable so we used the needle and ball instrument to maintain attitude".

"I don't know just what we're going to now that Guadalcanal are ours and our fleet is going on. Maybe we'll move up there before long, some of our pea-shooters (slang for fighters) left today. We may stay back but I doubt it. During the battle of the Solomons the battleship North Carolina sank 9 Japs ships by herself - not too bad!"

"Well it has been over 3 months since I left the states and it sure seems a long time. We had some of the fellow come through here his week from

glad now I wasn't left behind with them. They had a lot of new pilots 42 B and C flying class that lacked experience. Some left here at 3 o'clock in the afternoon for Australia and 4 or 5 made crash landings there - at night! Seems a shame to get in a hurry and destroy a ship you flew 10,000 miles over the Pacific Ocean".

"I guess I've forgotten to say I was promoted to 1st Lt. July 18th - congratulations Jim! Hum - - thank you - 'gulp'".

"Well I guess now that we co-pilots have well over 200 hours in the B-26 they have decided to check us out. Yesterday I flew 7 hours pilot time -a six hour mission and i hour for landings/takeoffs. I'm not fully checked out but will be in 3 or 4 days I hope. maybe we all will get airplanes one of these days, our squadron got 2 more aircraft last week and probably have more on the way I'm crazy about the idea of one for me - I sho'am ready".

"We had an epidemic of double feature movies here last week and started a couple the other night and got half way through and the generator burned out. So now we have 2 films to see the end".

"I am O.D. (officer of the Day) today and my duties are to code and decode messages - quite a job too. My bombardier is mail censor and I help him read the mail and it is really interesting reading other peoples mail, not very nice thought. I was very surprise to find our enlisted men so uneducated. Some have no idea of sentence structure, they just write and that is all. Well I guess I am not so hot myself!"

"We had a lot of rain 3 weeks ago. Cur tent leaked so much that we got another one and put it up over the old one and made a porch around i" front. We have the best set-up now of anybody. There is quite a bit of spare time so I am having my navigator teach me navigation, might come in handy some day- who knows?"

"We have gone volley ball crazy around here, it's something to do and we get a good sun tan at the same time. We beat the enlisted men 6 our o' 7 games last evening. Well this seems to bring the thing up to date so I guess I'll sign off and get a little sun shine before lunch. I gotta' fly this afternoon shoot some landings, will ride with the Squadron Commander tomorrow or the next day for a final check - wish me luck!"

September 1. 1942. "Yesterday our former squadron commander of a month ago, Captain Burris, was killed in a P-400 fighter (lend lease el cheapo version of the P-39) at Tontouta airfield about 15O miles away. He was testing the aircraft and after takeoff the Curtis Electric "uncontrollable "propeller ran away and he lost so much power that he couldn't make a turn back to the field and tried to set it down in a small field but lacked the flying speed and crashed in flames. The fire fighters couldn't get near the wreckage for 20 minutes. our squadron is to fly formation over his grave today at 2:15 p.m. following services".

"Well last Thursday Aug. 28th I was checked off as first pilot in the B-26 aircraft and happy was the day. Don White, my class mate, also was checked off and we flew

together. I hope we'll some get some more airplanes of our own".

"Lots of action here. We're having lots of C-47's (transports) some carrying "pea shooter" pilots to Australia. We had 14 more carrying paratroopers. Some of the guys have bought horses, rather they look like horses. I wouldn't be surprised if everybody had one before long -but me!"

"We're are sticking our necks out and building an officers club. For the last 3 or 4 days we have gone out and cut down trees and hauled them back. I don't know just what the building will consist of but lot of logs".

"We sho' have been having our share of fried eggs lately. Tibbits (our navigator) brings back eggs from his church (Catholic) Sundays. Also French bread so we have an evening meal on our cook-out fire before bed. By the way, I might add the days are getting longer and soon spring will be upon us birds - - ah yes, birds, bee's and all that stuff! Well guess I'll quit as the mosquito's are getting up and I've already sat here long enough for a spider to build a web from me to the next chair."

September 13, 1942. "I have neglected this writing too long. Last Saturday, Tibbets and I went to Noumea to work on the Intercept Board and our duty was to identify our aircraft. This was done by a system known as radar which by some means picks up all aircraft in a certain radius. It is like the one that picked up the Japs at Pearl Harbor December 7th. our job was very simple and took. no great brain work. We took turn about staying there and the other would bum around town. I was surprised at the conditions there, at least 15 years behind our time. The French people dressed like us and looked a lot like our people but engaging them in conversation you soon found out the difference. There were some very pretty French gals floating about but they weren't very friendly, except may if you could speak French - - I did get a French vocabulary but I didn't have a lot of luck. Most of the people ride bicycles and there are millions of 'em. Also there are more dilapidated auto's, some I don't see how they still run. Also most of the cars have a right hand drive and they look mighty off, but after a while you get use to them.".

We got some very good food, steaks, eggs, bacon and ham. We even had pie alamode one night - they sold ice cream, so much it was at a couple of places, also hot dogs and hamburgers. At night on top of the I.C. Building it made you feel like you were almost i" civilization again. It did feel swell seeing paved streets and lights again. It was sure nice there for a week but it got tiresome and we were glad to get back to PDQ (Plain de Giac)".

September 14th. "Anything can happen and probably will. Got orders today to go to the New Hebrides Island and then special orders. I am flying with Captain Collins leading the squadron. We are carrying a torpedo! It looks as if we are going to see action and soon, I believe I've said that before but we'll see. I might add that Wilmarth, my

regular crew pilot, is in Australia as are four other pilots which leaves us rather short handed. Things would be much better off if we had them here!".

"It has been a long time since I have been 'tensed-up as we did on alerts, etc., when we first got on the island. Tonight its a little different here I(m packing up my clothes not knowing what to take, how long we'll be gone, whether we'll ever get back. Also this time there is a great possibility of hitting the Jap fleet, that is a portion of it. Then again you feel inside maybe it isn't a real thing, maybe we'll just go up there and sit - - well after all we can't win a war setting! In any event I'll be in there pitching. In affairs like this things really buzz around in the ole head. I can assure you that I'll read the Bible tomorrow night".

"I've gathered all my stuff together in my parachute bay full, gas mask, big ole clumsy helmet, shorts, sox, uniform, etc. I have my 45 (gun) all fixed on my belt with water bottle, first aid kit and extra clips for my gun. I sure look like I'm going to war - - I guess I am!"

"So much excitement that I forgot to say that two B-17's crashed day before yesterday up the island in fact one of the smaller islands north of here. It happened about 2 a.m. as the B17's were on patrol from "Buttons" (code for a New Heberides airfield) and weathered-in so they flew over here to land but on arrival found the field dark and failed to get anybody to turn on the field lights and finally almost out of fuel they went north and made a forced landing in the sea. We found them the next day one wind tip sticking out of the water. They waved from a nearby island and it is believed no one was badly hurt. Captain Lingamfelter and our crew bombardier Jim Magers went up in our sea plane that afternoon and up to now a day later haven't been heard of. I was up over the reef today and it is believed the sea plane was damaged on the landing and sank thereby marooning our flyers so now there is two more there now".

It's late and I've got a 'big' day ahead of me tomorrow. Gotta' hit the bed 'pronto'! I hope I make it back!!! Naturally".

September 25th. "Ho Hum!! back from war. We received orders to return and did so the 23rd. After leaving here we went to Efate (code Roses) there we waited for more orders. We had left without the officers who went to Australia and a couple of days following Lt. Wilmarth, Tibbetts, Magers, and Field came up on afternoon in Lt. Howbert ship #7585 which hadn't flown for a month or so because of repairs. After they had flown out their ETA (estimated time enroute) there could not find the island and the weather was bad and they were on instruments, they searched but no luck. We sent out MO (signals) to guide them and they received them OK and after a while discovered their compass was haywire so they were completely lost. Their gas was almost gone and over the Pacific

"Finally they caught a glimpse of a reef and followed it which led them to an is

land. Then Lt.Wilmarth ordered the crew to bail out which they did and last he parachuted from the plane. There were 11 men and all but one man was found. I was certainly worried about them as they were long overdue finally we got a message that they were bailing out. An hour later we had a search all mapped out for the following morning, but later that night we heard they had landed on another island in the New Heberdies. Boy was I relieved cause that was my old crew and I sure tensed up!"

"They certainly looked 'roughed' up the next day but mighty glad to be here. They all still had their ripcord (handle to deploy the chute) off of their parachute!"

"That afternoon I had a chance to go to Nandi, Fiji and so, with the permission of Captain Collins, I went on a B-17. Well it was a four hour and three hours of instruments in the clouds. It got worse and worse so I crawled up in the cockpit and flew a half hours of instruments myself. I sure do like to fly the aircraft."

"I had wonderful time in Fiji, saw the guys in the 70th Bomb Squadron also flying B-26' 5 and members of the 38th Bomb Group (M). They have native huts to live in, beer to drink, etc. They live considerable easier than we but I'd rather be in our 69th Squadron. I bought some native stuff and some I would have like to have bought but didn't want to 'lug' it around with me - I figured I would get it on the way home to the States. When I returned to New Caledonia our tent did look like home and I was mighty glad to get back."

"I received four letters today, three from Glen and one from Charles (uncle from Tulsa Oklahoma) and one from Gretchen (mothers half sister) from California. They were well welcome indeed! It always make me homesick when I get letters but it makes me happy anyhow."

Tibbitts and .Magers (my crew navigator and bombardier) have gone to Australia - I would have gone had I been here. I'll go next time. Its rather lonesome here just Willie (Wilmarth -pilot) and me but I'm glad the others got to go over and enjoy themselves for 10 days as they had quite an experience."

"The officers club construction is coming right along and should be finished in another week."

lnl

"Well I guess this brings my diary up-to-date so now I can go and work on the club. Our stove blew up in the kitchen and burned 3 of our cooks we have been eating 'spam' all day. Peanut butter , jelly and bread is my dish! Be seeing you."

October 17, 1942. "It has been some time since I last wrote. Today is Sunday, a week ago we ferried torpedoes to 'Buttons'. It was very hot up there and although the food was

good I was glad to leave and come back to good (?) ole New Caledonia."

"Thursday morning we had our first alert in months when we were so abruptly awakened at 4 a.m. It was suppose to be an aircraft carrier lost in this area. We have been on the alert every since day and night. According to the boys coming back from the Solomon Islands as things have taken a turn for the worse up there. The Marines are taking a whipping and they say the Army troops are coming to help them as soon as they get some USO clubs up there ( a little humor). So it looks like the Marines are the ones who have to do it.. The B-17's aren't doing so hot either as they caught some of them on the ground and destroyed them. I don't know just what we will do now- - the General on this island (New Caledonia) likes us very much and is the reason why we're still here. I sure would like to be in a B-24 group now as I think if they ever got enough of them together up there we could really take over."

"Our squadron got a P-39 'peashooter' attached to us so now we have a fighter to fly. I am going to be checked out in a day or so. I am quite anxious to get a crack at it. We may get a P-43 later or even another P-39 - I hope so. I think the reason for these planes is when the rainy season comes they will be the only planes that will be able to get off."

"We have been having some rain lately. It really poured last night and part of our tent came down but fortunately I slept in the other part. I hope to get to Australia in the next few weeks on leave. I am the only one in our tent that has not gone."

"Our club is definitely a success. A couple of the boys went on a liquor run Thursday and brought back about $300.00 worth and it seemed to 'brighten' up the club considerably."

"I caught up with my back mail! 5 months old most of it. I guess it's been around the world. We are getting mail (sometimes) 3 times a week. I guess this covers enough to give out with the big picture. So I'11 go out and get a little sun bath and take a shower and get ready for the 5:1O to 7:30 alert."

October 18, 1842. "Just the usual thing - nothing has happened and naturally we're still on alert. I flew the P-39K yesterday, its' a pretty nice little ship hope I get lots of time in it as I enjoy flying it a lot!"

"What a pain! Just found out that I'm Air Drome Officer and have to sleep out in the tower tonight."

November 2, 1942. "Almost forgot that Saturday October 31st was my birthday. I'm now 23 years old - - how nice! Happy birthday Jim! Gee thanks - -"

"Make a trip to 'Buttons' yesterday ferrying P-39s up there. We took twelve of them. I know cause I kept counting them for fear of loosing one and not realize it. It was very amusing to not how the little peashooters nestled close to us when we'd go through rain like a bunch of little chickens around the mother hen. They all got there with no trouble."

"Things looked fairly rosy up there according to the B-17 boys, they have the Jap navy on the run and are bombing Jap supply dumps. We had one bad thing happen in Buttons harbor - the captain of the President Coolidge, a fast new transport ship, got in a rush and ran into one of our own mines and sunk his $30,000,000 ship with 6,000 men with complete equipment aboard. The men were saved but that's all so they have 6,000 men with no arms or clothing."

"We received two B-25s last week and I got my first time flying it today. I imagine I'll get a lot of time in them before long, we are to get four more. I have flown a couple of hours at Patterson Field in one so I expect I'll get checked out in no time at all."

"It begins to look like we'll be here for ever. We're starting to put cement floors in our tents - ho hum! Have been getting a bunch of mail lately which is naturally swell! I try to answer each batch that comes in although I 'm a bit behind now but I'll catch up this afternoon after I fly."

"A couple of my classmates flew down the other day to see us - 41-H aviation cadet class. They have been over to Fiji, one of them had the same instructor as I did at Kelly Field. They've been flying P-40s but are struggling with P-39s now. We also have some P-38s here now about 15 I believe."

"Our New Zelanders moved out yesterday to their new camp down the road-what a relief they were about to run us out of our own camp. Maybe we can get something to eat now."

November 7, 1942. "Sunday morning and we're on the alert again, we were suppose to have a 'vacation' today too! So up at 4:45 it was. We listened to radio Tokyo this morning and to our surprise that Japan had attacked New Caledonia and was taking over the island. They get funnier every day those Japs, I guess they do have to talk about something."

"Tis a beautiful morning at 6:45 the sun is up but hiding behind some clouds of which there are many. In the distance is the hum of engines warming up getting their preflight. our ole '26 is still flying - ole "Henry" still doing a good job of bring ole Jim home safely every mission. We now have four B-25Cs. I have flown twice in them, you really begin to appreciate the 26's after flying the 25s. We do lots of buzzing and cutting up in the 25s, they are something we can relax more in. I can hear the ping and pong of the ping-

pong ball down at the club. We have a new table it's always in use all day. The moral is 100% better now with the club than it was."

"Our flight leader went to Australia yesterday, he's getting me a camera and films - - I hope!"

""h yes! My pilot, brother Wilmarth ('Willy for short') is now a proud papa of a little ole 'junior'. He's all smiles. We have been sweating out ole junior for a month now. Congratulations Willy!"

"It was a wonderful world yesterday as I received five letters, four from a brown eyed gal in Dayton, and one from the C.H. (uncle Charles) himself. Naturally most of 'em were old- just 4 and a half months but what's time? I didn't care as long as I'm getting mail, I did get a 12 day letter from 'wings'

which naturally is much OK and a wonderful Christmas Card it sure is hard to realize that Christmas is only a month and a half away, time sure passes. The B-17 boys who came out the same time as we did are going home and are being replaced by B-24s- they deserve it as they've done some good work at Guadalcanal."

"This writing is playing second fiddle to a mouse. I just had half the squadron including the squadron commander catching our mice, our cat was very bewildered with the cooperation he was receiving. The cat finally got one and went off to play but I see its back now- ho hum! Well he's got another one, he really has a big time playing with 'em and then eats them in about 3 gulps." Guess this is all for now, will write a letter or two - be seeing you -course -naturally.

November 10, 1942. "I flew 9 hours yesterday all of it on patrol. I piloted the morning one and flew as co-pilot in the afternoon. The morning patrol was to go to an island south of Caledonia and take pictures, this we did and as we were ready to leave we received a radio message saying to proceed immediately to 166 degrees and mileage off Amadee Light House where a sub was sighted. We proceeded as directed and arrived there started a square search and on our first leg found a freighter so we flew over to it and challenged identification. It didn't answer so we dived down to get a closer look and discovered a large torpedo hole in its' side and no one was on deck. We were flying a couple hundred feet off the water and made a turn to look her over again when we saw men in life boats waving to us. We radioed back what we had found and position, etc., and proceeded to find the sub but we had no lucks. We were relieved by a B-26 as we (in a B-25) were getting low on fuel as one of our tanks wasn't feeding right. As we neared home one of our tanks read less than 20 gallons and we were sweating it out. Suddenly the radio operator came up all excited telling us he just saw a sub or what he thought was a sub. We were still 10 minutes off from the field and after thinking it over decided to go one as we had about enough gas to get home so we radioed some Hudson (Lockheed aircraft) who was tailing

us. Also a B-26 took off after they heard our report. So a claim was made that there was a sub and they sank it. Gee if we had just a wee bit more gas I'm sure we could have got it."

"In the afternoon we patrolled off Amadee Light house and just as we were ready to come home we saw a destroyer and as we neared it we saw that it was circling and we saw a funny ripple though the water, we dived down looked but couldn't see anything. We signaled the ship and they gave us three S's which we though meant sub so we proceeded to really look around but no more trace did we find. The destroyer was dropping depth charges and circling. Finally about a half hours ole Sol (sun) was dropping in the west and we got home just at sunset. We came in the traffic pattern and lowered our wheels and they came down but did not lock so our engineer went back to lower them manually. However, after 10 minutes he came up and confessed he didn't know how to do it. our navigator, Tibbetts, went back and came back that he didn't "now how it worked. I had been told how it worked backed at Patterson Field 6 months ago so I went back and by luck or accident had success. By this time it was dark and we came in and made a very nice landing thus ending our 'wonderful' experience. I am reading the Technical Order on the B-25 today, we just got the airplane and not many people know anything about them. After I read that big old book, I betcha' I'll know something about it."

"Ho hum, guess I'll quit and read some more about the B-25 we just got another airplane and two more are on the way."

November 18. 1942. ole e Jim has been quite a distance from

N.C. (New Caledonia) since the last time I wrote cause 'Hi pal, just got back from Guadalcanal'!(rather corney)."

"We received orders last Thursday the 12th to leave the following day (Friday 13th) for Buttons and then Guadalcanal. However, weather held us up till Saturday. As we arrived at Buttons we saw the 70th Bomb Squadron there and we parked our planes right along with theirs making 19 B-26s and it was quite a sight. I might add that Buttons (Espirtu Santos in the New Hebredes group of islands. I have never seen as many airplanes in one group as was up there, millions of us and most were navy TBFs (torpedo bombers) and SPDs (dive bombers) and naturally a whole bunch of "-17s. We arrived about 11:30 and after standing in line a couple of hours finally managed to get something to eat. About ":30 the 7Oth squadron received orders to leave "or the 'Canal' and we were to be ready to move at a moments notice. There was suppose to be two Jap task Forces trying to take over the island and the 70th folks didn't know whether the U.S. would still have the airfield (Henderson Field) when they arrived. They had orders to attack. any vessels they came on the way up and they were called enemy. The ships of the 70 th had torpedoes; however, they found nothing and arrived at Henderson Field at dusk and on nearing the field were fired on by our own forces until they discovered they were USA aircraft and landed OK."

"In the meanwhile we were at Buttons and received orders that night for torpedo ships to leave at 5:30 a.m. for the Solomon Island (Guadalcanal). So we made ready for an early take-off. our crew held a meeting to talk over our tomorrows activity. We discussed the system for reporting, attacking enemy fighters and decided on the clock system using the nose as 1" o'clock. For instance a fighter attacking our tail the gunner would report 'zero attacking at 6 o'clock if above he would say above our level or below. also our system for bailing out, our alarm system and in case of too low an altitude how we would try to set it down in the water. After our discussion we retired to our cots under the wing and tried to get a little sleep but the B-17s coming in every few minutes sorta interrupted any rest. Search lights playing the sky and flashing in our faces. Paul Tibbitts and myself did our bit in playing also, I read a half an hour out of the Bible and a little prayer book before retiring."

"The next morning we took-off later than we planned, 7:40 I believe. We had 5 B-26s and 3 P-3"s. Our ship was on the left wing of Major Collins. The P-38 stuck pretty close especially in rain clouds but as a whole the weather was pretty good going up. In about 3 hours Guadalcanal zoomed up ahead and immediately we jumped in combat formation. The P-38s began to zoom in and out looking around, there were some low hanging clouds which would be perfect for enemy fighters to be hiding; but no zeros appeared. As we neared the airfield we saw smoke - 4 trails going up and as we came closer we saw fire and flack which later we found out were AA (anti-aircraft) firing at us! We soon saw that the smoke and fire was coming from ships. We made our recognition circle and came right over the Japs camp in the traffic pattern to land. I[It was a small field and we used every inch of it to land. We saw the aircraft of the 7Oth squadron and knew that everything was OK. As we taxied back to park we passed some of the hardest looking marines as I have ever seen- beards a couple month old, shirts that had been worn at least a month."

"The 7Oth boys met us as we crawled out and asked us how we liked the little fire they started one over there pointing toward the transport on fire. They had been bombing all morning on the transport and landing parties and had gotten several direct hits with l,000 bombs. One blew the bow off of one ship. Some were a string of 100 pound bombs on Jay landing parties blowing little Japanizies all over the place. one bombardier got a gasoline dump and really made a nice fire. He reported flame shooting up above the trees. Naturally we were ready to go get us a few Japs but there wasn't enough aviation gas, not enough bombs for us so they just took our torpedo and we got orders to return to Buttons. It was very hot and the canal and me with my wool flying suit I just about 'died'. We were hauled up to the mess tent on a Jap truck, there were lots of them around as well a as staff cars. Most of them looked like Dodge cars. The meal consisted of one dish,'K rations' which is nothing else then hash, beans, a little meat and potatoes and anything else. Also we had stale soda crackers and hot, and I'n not kidding, water. Also we had to wash our plates and silver ware, if you were fortunate enough to get them. I did not and ate my

'stew' with a knife and liked it."

"After our meal we stood by at our ship while they collected enough gas to get us oust of there- so we sorta wandered around looking. I failed to mention about the big guns firing every minute at a target up on a mountain where "Millimeter Mike" (a name they gave a Jap who has is dug in. up on the mountain firing down on the airfield) mostly at night. A couple of hours before we landed he fired at the field and blew a couple of holes where we parked our aircraft (I didn't know this till later or I'd have carried my tin helmet along). Dive bombers were working the mountain over here ole 'Mike' was, the marines thought they got him that afternoon."

"An amazing thing happened to a hid in the 70th squadron. He was talking to a glassy-eyed marine and happened to mention having a hand grenade and the ole marines' eyes opened up big and wide and he leaned over and whispered 'lets slip up to the front line and throw it-I know where we can get some Japs'. Gee all those boys up there are sure blood thirsty, all they want to do is kill Japs. A captured Jap told a marine that all the marines were fighting for is for killing Japs and getting souvenirs - - they really dread the marines. They sent about 400 marines to take care of 6,000 Japs that landed down on the beach. one of the boys asked a marine how long it would take and the marine replied oh we'll be back in a couple of days. As I said before, the marines really love souvenirs - a poor Jap officer with a nice saber (sword) is rushed by 10 marines fighting as to who get the sword."

"After our planes had been refueled we took-off for Buttons minus Major Collins who had a little engine trouble. Only 3 planes in our squadron left, the 7Oth took-off before us for Buttons. As we went down the island I looked through my field glasses as the shore line and could see native villages and some natives on shore. Boy, that jungle is pretty dense sure would hate to have to bail oust over it as some peashooter pilots do. The natives are friendly and take you back to camp, most of them speak book English as the missionary taught them. "

"After leaving the island we encountered bad weather, we went into the first rain storm in a 'V' formation and came out very far apart, it was raining so hard that you thought you were flying under Niagara Falls, we separated and went on our own dodging around the storm all we could and going through the rest finally coming out in good weather about an hour before Buttons. In the meanwhile, I heard on the radio that Captain Callahan of the 7Oth squadron his propellers had failed and he was landing in the water. Captain Sharp was on his wing and watched him crash (ditch) and the aircraft turned over on its' back after hitting water. He saw a couple life vests pop up, he is not sure it was life vests, and he circled 3 times before his gas supply forced him to go on so he too" the position of the crash and went on to Buttons."

"On arriving at the island we came on around and picked up the lighted field as it was dark and landed. We had beaten all other ships in (our flight). They sent a PBY (navy amphibious rescue aircraft) out the next morning for searching for the crashed aircraft but the last I heard nothing was found. I knew the pilot and co-pilot very well and were really swell guys. I still have hope of finding them. His water landing sort of proves not to do it but I guess we'll do it if it comes down to it when we fly at 1,000 feet is tops and is rather 'low' for bailing (parachuting). I sometime look out and watch the props go around and around and wonder just what keeps these darn thing running, ole 'Henry' has about 300 hours (airframe time). We are getting two new engines for him in another 25 hours -I hope!"

"The next day Major Collins returned and got orders to return to New Caledonia much to our disgust, after getting 4 miles from the front line we came back without dropping a bomb. our bombardier almost went crazy at the 'Canal' because the wouldn't let us bomb the Japs but bombs and gas were very scarce and as it was we used one-third of their supply gassing up. Those SPD's (dive bombers) and TBF's (torpedo bombers) can operate weeks on what we burn in a day so I guess we won't operate out of the Solomon Islands for a while anyway."

"On this date finds we writing in N.C. and more has happened. After arriving 'home' yesterday we received news to pack up the whole squadron for movement orders. Where? We don't know but in 4 to 30 days we'll be gone from New Caledonia. I have an idea its New Guinea but who knows? Major Collins went down to Noumea today to get the big picture. So maybe the next time I write I'11 know - lucky me! Gee, after doing all this writing I'm tired so well hit the sack for a snooze, ho hum - bye!"

November 24, 1942. "Well I've heard where we're going and I don't like it. We're leaving in the next day or two for Roses which is Efate of the New Heberdes. I or we can think of no earthly reason for this movement, we are no closer to the Solomon Islands than we are here. Well nevertheless we're moving. I'm all packed and ready. I hope this won't mess up our mail as it necessitates a change in APO number. Efate is only about 1:50 flight from here and we can send a plane to pick up our mail."

"One reason I'm against moving up there is because of the malaria mosquitoes and I suppose if we'll get it better sooner than later. Also we'll have to leave our club well I guess we'll have to make the best of it. ".

December 5, 1942. "Well here I am at Efate and what a place millions of flies and mosquitoes - we have two sick already. We finally moved out of New Caledonia on the 2nd and it was like leaving home, I really didn't like N.C. but when it came time to go it was different. The night before we left we gathered our furniture together and had a big fire the rose above the trees. A big celebration 'er something. Well I guess I'll just have to like it here. It has rained everyday and night since we arrived even rained while we landed. It

looks as if we're going to have a swell time flying here, mountains to the right and left, in front and back of the field and runway 2,500 shorter than PDQ, our engines with 300 hours and react like the reflexes of a 70 year old man. Well anyway I'm alive and well."

"We're suppose to start skip bombing with 500# bombs, I guess the army does not care what happens to us as for as their concerned we are expendable as ginny pigs. It's almost pitiful how guys behind the desks try to run this war and don't know one thing about it and as far as they're concerned we are just so much meat for the grinder."

"one thing good about being here is that we're leaving in an oblong tin house darn good at that. We have wall boarding as well as a good wood floor and a good screen to help keep the flies

and mosquitoes out. I still, however, find my ole mosquito net the thing for a good night rest. Our food has improved somewhat and that adds to it all. The Navy got us a lot of coco cola and beer so I guess every body is pretty well satisfied with the change."

"Efate is suppose to be a secret base and therefore no one can mention where he is so the folks back home have little or no idea where I am. our camp sight is in the midst of a coconut groove and is very beautiful, there is a good covering of blue grass around and it helps the beauty of it all. This island is dense with jungle and in back of our camp it is really thick so I don't go messing around back there."

"Last week I made 5 trips out of 6 days up here hauling baggage and personal up here, what it really turned out to be was a trip of 600 miles just to eat dinner. I flew B-25's. one trip to N.C. I was buzzing along 200 mph and suddenly out of the clear blue sky 300 miles to sea when the flaps came down and the plane was momentarily out of control but I soon discovered what it was and got them back up before it went very far or lost too much altitude. It sure had me guessing for a while though."

"Well I guess I'11 ring off, it looks like more rain. Ho hum, guess I'll just snooze a while."

December 23, 1942. "Hi! Sorta been forgetting about you lately but have been quite busy. Last Tuesday went to PDQ to ferry a torpedo to Buttons. We had an accident as we were ready for take-off. We had a hydraulic failure which resulted in a brake failure and resulted in us running into a ditch! We were stranded 5 days due to weather before help came. We damaged the props and got new ones, and broken nose wheel which we were waiting for from Roses. We had no soap, towels or anything and our three officers, Wilmarth, Tibbetts and myself borrowed a towel from one of my classmates which we used to shower, etc. With all that red dirt it was really an art. Gee we were glad to see the B-25 come roaring in and also towels soap and razor.I was dressed in shorts and a 'T' shirt and as luck would have it we had a cold spell and I nearly froze to death."

After we came home I really cleaned up and did it feel good. From now on I'm taking a weeks supply of things where ever we go just in case."

"Ho hum, it is only two days till Christmas. I really been getting my share in packages more candy, peanuts than I can eat in two weeks. Gee it's swell to have something to eat between meals especially with this terrible GI (government issue) mess. My letters are beginning to come through again to my new address that's good. It has been about a month between letters naturally I don't like that! I sure hope next Christmas sees me a lot closer to home than ole Jim is now, going to be quite a Christmas this hot sweating island, it rains almost constantly, we take-off and usually land in the rain. By the way "Henry" has two new engines now maybe I've got a chance to live a bit long (naturally you realize I'm fooling."

"Ah yes, the big news is now that we've been recommended to go back to the states to form a new group. Naturally it is too good to be true but it is something to 'dream' about. The thing about it is so logical that it is almost out of the question as 'we 'know how the Army works. Well anyhow I'm cross'en my fingers'X'. It's also rumored that we will go back to Guadalcanal on a couple of missions before leaving I sure hope so as it's a shame to be out here and not get in some kind of scrap. Major Collins, our Commander, has tried to get us missions but they won't send us on any - why? I don't know! We have a bunch of eager boys and good too, maybe they're saving us, hmmm - not a bad idea!"

"We're having a lot of liquor for Christmas - good ole Christmas Cheer! Naturally me a tea tottler I don't care but it is definitely a moral builder with the low one we have now we really need some, I do think that its a poor way to get that result but oust here to care how you do a thing.'

"Well I'd better ring off and catch up on my bible study as I lost out last week being away. I try to read two chapters a day out of the New Testament, although I've had bible study in College. I find it more interesting out here, toodle-do ole chap!"

January l, 1943 - New Years Day in Guadalcanal! Dear ole diary, gee we're awful lucky to be here this new year day, especially you! Yesterday on the eve of a new year we did the impossible! We flew one and a half hour over the Pacific and over Jap infested area on one engine in a B-26B. After leaving Buttons for Guadalcanal yesterday, we were about an hour and a half out when our left oil pressure dropped to almost nothing and before we knew it we were on one engine. Everyone was under the impression that it was impossible to maintain altitude on one engine but by the grace of God and the ability that we used we not only flew 250 miles more but made a safe landing and not as much as scratch a wing. We had to run our right engine at almost full throttle and RPM and we didn't know one

minute to the next whether it would run or quit.Our oil temperature became so hot that it broke the instrument. At that time we had the crew put on a parachute and at time we were far from any land. But our engine held out and we finally saw Guadalcanal ahead and I'll tell you it was the most wonderful sight I have ever seen but still we realized that if we were forced down it would be in Jap territory and brother I am not for being a Jap prisoner! Also, we were in range of Jap 'Zeros' attack and we were almost gunless as we tossed over all extra weight to lighten our load and that's where you diary escaped the Davy-Jone locker as you were behind my seat and we overlooked you so how lucky 'we' are!"

"Well things look pretty nice here at the canal, anything looks good to me as long as it was American. The marines have pushed the Japs back away from the field the closest point being 5 miles away. I managed to get a Jap rifle and bayonet for a quart of gin (whisky). These boys will almost sell their souls for liquor of any kind and well go to any length to get anything you want for liquor. These boys are tough too, they collect Japs' gold teeth, one boy it is said busted out a Jap gold tooth but the Jap was still kicking and and swallowed it so the marine cut his throat and got the gold tooth. There are thousands and one stories lots of 'em too gastly to tell about so I'll just stop on the one above."

"Well the 69th Bomb Squadron is doing a little combat. We arrived here at about noon and at 3 o'clock we had a mission to bomb Mundie airfield on New Georgia Island. Six ships went out and all came back with news of success and this morning we repeated the m:mission and again had better luck. They encountered AA fire but not very accurate. our airplane being out (of commission) we have not gone on a mission yet but expect to tomorrow morning here's hoping!"

"Well, diary its beastly hot in this tent and the mosquitoes are little devils, I guess I have malaria by now, we are taking drugs to kill the effects we'll take a quinine cure after we're through out here."

"It looks as if 'Henry' has flown the last time as both our new engines are out as the good engine is questionable because of the terrific strain yesterday. Both batteries were dead, both generators out and no facilities for repair so I guess it goodbye! She was a good airplane and brought ole J.B. many miles through storms and hardships. He never gave up just kept plugging along and went out in a ablaze of glory as if to prove it was proud to be our ship. So long Henry we'll miss you and will adopt a new one some day who'll be nobody but 'Henry Jr.' and we hope it will be half as good as our old faithful Henry!"

January 2, 1943. "Well here ole J.B. is again safe and sound after our first bombing mission. We took-off with six planes at 6:25 a.m. for mundie airfield which our squadron has been bombing for the last two days. We had about 8 P-39s and there were 14 navy SPDs plus 3 P-38s. The weather was pretty rotten as we went in and out of clouds on and

off instruments (flying). Just before we got to our target we hit a rain cloud that was something we stayed in formation until it became so thick that we lost the flight leader and went on instruments. Starting at 8,500 feet altitude we finally came out of the clouds at 6,000 feet and it was the funniest sight to see this rain cloud spitting out airplanes all directions P-39s, B-2"s were diving ever which way some just bearly missing each other."

"